A hernia occurs when part of an organ (usually the intestines) sticks through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place.
There are several types of hernias, based on where they occur:
Inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum. This type is more common in men than women.
Femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the upper thigh. This type is more common in women than in men.
Incisional hernia can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery.
Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. It occurs when the muscle around the navel doesn't close completely.
Causes
Usually, there is no obvious cause of a hernia, although they are sometimes associated with heavy lifting.
Hernias can be seen in infants and children. This can happen when the lining around the abdominal organs does not close properly before birth. About 5 out of 100 children have inguinal hernias (more boys than girls). Some may not have symptoms until adulthood.
If you have any of the following, you are more likely to develop a hernia:
Family history of hernias
Cystic fibrosis
Undescended testicles
Extra weight
Chronic cough
Chronic constipation, straining to have bowel movements
Enlarged prostate, straining to urinate
Symptoms
Groin discomfort or groin pain aggravated by bending or lifting
A tender groin lump or scrotum lump
A nontender bulge or lump in children
Treatment
Most hernias can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. However, if it cannot be pushed back through the abdominal wall, this can lead to a strangulated loop of intestine. If left untreated, this portion of the intestine dies because of loss of blood supply.
Almost all hernias require surgery, preferably before complications occur, to reposition the herniated loop of intestine and secure the weakened muscles in the abdomen.
Before surgery, you will be given a sedative to make you drowsy. A local or spinal numbing medicine (anesthesia) will be used so you do not feel pain during the procedure. In some cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free).
The surgeon makes a cut over the area of the hernia. The bulging tissue or organ is placed back inside the muscle wall, the muscle tissue is repaired, and the skin is closed. In many inguinal hernia repairs, a small piece of plastic mesh is used to repair the defect in the muscle tissue.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is becoming more popular. This approach uses a minimally invasive technique.
Elaine AckrilUK My sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Treatment- trips and it has been almost 5 months since I did my procedure. I feel wonderful with my new flat tummy. The compliments that I have received from my family, friends and co-workers instill th...
